Hey everyone. I'm new here to cobaltss.net. and I was looking for some information. I'm looking into buying a new car. I found a decent 2006 cobalt ss/sc. The problem is it has 114,xxx miles. I need this car to last me at least another 2 or 3 years. The car already has the gm stage 2 kit. I'm unsure if it was installed by a dealer or some kid in his garage. Nor do I know how long ago it was installed. I drive about 15k miles per year with my new job. But that's 90% highway. I just need some insight on this motor and if you think it will last me another 2-3 yrs. I know that reliablilty is all relative on how the car was taken car of but I would still like an opinion.

 

my 06 has 140k miles. still take it to the track. I put in some new parts tho. you should expect to do that.

 

109k on tvs and water meth. Still spins tires, shifts near redline, and loves it. Proper maintenance goes a long way

 

GM stage kit is a dealer item.

 

Doesn't mean that's where it was installed

 

This

 

That's why I'm worried. I mean. I don't know what kind of maintenance this car had had. I drove it and it still pulls strong to redline. Brakes were just resurfaced and replaced. I just want it to last. My buddy has an 07 ss/sc that has about 70k miles on it and knows a lit about them so I brought him along when I went to look at it and most of it checked out. But its so hard to judge how well it was taken care of

 

If you are that worried and not that car inclined, maybe you should buy something with a warranty. Or do not buy a sport compact as a car you need for work. Not being rude, just practical.

 

If I had changed my timing chain a year ago, I would not have grenaded my engine a month ago. If you listen to all the advise here, and don't wait to fix things, you will never be happier driving one of these cars. I had 112k (hard) miles on my car, 106k on the clutch and it still chirped 2nd. I've done ~300+ 1/4 mile passes, 3 80+ mile track days, and the car just took the beatings like a champ.

 

I am very car inclined. I'm just not sure about this specific engine/car. I have drivin and worked on this car quite a lot. We actually just put a zzp stage 2 in my buddy's car less then a week ago. I just wanted to know what the experience was like past 100k miles. And how did the timing chain go?

 

When should the timing chain be done? Should we change more than just the chain? Thanks

 

105k turbo lsj and still going strong.

I just recently changed my timing chain kit and balance shaft kit. If you dont have the updated tensioner than you should get it.

 

The LSJ is a hell of an engine. Will see 200k+ with basic maintenance.
I had 166k on mine before I sold it and I know it's still going.

 

Powerful LSJ turbo 118k still fast and reliable

 

I'm at 139k running smooth. Stock clutch and all.

 

it doesnt matter whether or not your gms2 goes in at the dealer or in a barn. just make sure the car was either reflashed at the dealer or tuned by someone reputable

 

I got my LSJ with roughly 90k on it with some questionable maintenance. On cold starts, the motor still sounds damned solid. Not so much as a noise out of it...knock on wood.

 

Check all of the fluids and make sure they're clean. Get maintenance records if you can.

An engine that's had coolant/oil/brake/trans fluids changed regularly and beat to **** will usually last longer than a car that's never had that stuff done and driven gently.

93k LSJ. Oil changed according to the DIC, NAPA Gold filters, coolant changed regularly, brake fluid flushed regularly, manual trans fluid changed, new belts, plugs, etc. Been through hell and back. Doesn't burn oil or lose coolant, runs strong at 15psi all day long whether its 100 degrees outside or 0.

 

If you change the oil regularly and don't beat the crap out of your car, it should be fine to 150K. I'd be more concerned with the tensioner going bad before then. When you change it you should replace the chain, cam gears, tensioners, guides, the bolts holding them, and oil pump assembly.

 

Thank you. Sounds like the basic kit from CED

 

Do the proper maintenance and it will go a lot farther.

 

Put it on a dyno and see if the engine makes rated power,
with a GMS2 Kit, should be 240 I thnk

 

I was weary about buying one with high miles too. I found an adult enthusiast who owned mine an his maintenance shows. I have 121k an mine car feels very solid and I would drive it cross country anytime. You will always have to replace wear items like brake, tires, fluids, etc. but as far as engine internals go these are almost bomb proof. Make sure you let it warm up to temp before you beat on it and always keep up on maintenance.